In early 2020, our government in England plan to implement a scheme across schools and colleges that provides free menstrual products to those that need it. The same has already been implemented across Wales and Scotland. So that we can allow for this scheme to work effectively, The Red Box Project must stand aside.
We are now beginning the early stages of winding down our projects based in England, as has already been done in Wales and Scotland but very much remaining open for our projects where this type of scheme is yet to be implemented.
With the above in mind, we have made the decision to stop our incredibly kind monthly donations received through PayPal and at this stage, due to the overwhelming generosity shown by all of you, we will not be accepting any more monetary contributions. We have enough to sustain us in our final stages as well as the ability to support our remaining projects that will remain open.
If you are an individual/business/community organisation etc. who would like to donate products, please in the first instance email Anna and Clegg directly at HQ: . Whilst many of our projects would love to receive them, there are some that have enough to provide support to the schools/colleges/youth clubs they work with.
In due course, we will be releasing a list of other organisations including those outside of education that are still working hard to provide the same support.
It now leaves us to say thank you but it does not always feel like enough. For over 2 years we have received support from every part of the country as well as overseas. Hair salons, fire brigades, vets, international companies, law firms, societies and institutes, Girl Guides, shops, police forces, beauty salons, hospitals, large companies, small companies, community groups as well as individuals are just a glimpse in to the plethora of support we have been so fortunate to receive and it really is not an over-exaggeration to say that without people taking the time to email us and organise donation drives and fundraising events we would simply not have been able to provide Red Boxes to over 5,200 settings across the country and overseas.
The legacy of our project is that standing up and fighting for equality can lead to real change. Our volunteer coordinators have worked unbelievably hard, on the ground, to make a difference and they really and truly have. The could not have done this without the passion and commitment shown by their communities. It has been an honour to support our coordinators who are the heart of this project as well as speak to thousands of people via email. Every single email brings with it joy and humility which has sustained us through the busiest of times.
Thank you all so very much. It has been an incredible journey and we are so proud that through hard work, kindness and commitment we are seeing the changes that have occurred this year. Our young people are our driving force. They deserve the best and inspire us every day.